The real reason Southampton must find a finisher this January

Since the devastating shoulder injury to Charlie Austin in early December, we’ve been left without a real goal-scoring threat. (Besides Virgil Van Djik, of course.) We can turn tough draws into hard-earned victories if we use the January transfer window to snap up a useful forward, but another crucial reason as to why we must buy a striker – and buy one NOW – is to allow Sofiane Boufal to flourish.

It’s undeniable, Sofiane Boufal is class. He can receive a pass, turn, and glide past defenders with supreme confidence, all whilst boasting the ability to put the ball into the back of the net from the most ridiculous angles. On top of this, he also shows a hunger out on the pitch that leaves him constantly demanding the ball to be played into his feet, and why wouldn’t you with magic feet like his?

There are plenty of examples of talented wingers who burst onto the scene only to experience a prolonged dip in form. Even some of the very best in Riyad Mahrez, Pedro, and Eden Hazard have succumbed to spells of bad play. Granted, Boufal is yet to set the Premier League alight like the aforementioned names, but I believe he possesses the talent and tenacity to become a legitimate star.

And yet his chance to make a name for himself could be snuffed out well before he truly begins. That’s because the confidence of creative players like Boufal is strongly linked to positive play in the attacking third, something Southampton have undoubtedly lacked since losing a goal-scoring threat.

There are only so many times a footballer can beat his man on the left flank, then proceed to look up for a cross or slicing through ball, only to have no one available – or worse, complete a pass to a player that is incapable of finishing. This type of play is tiring in its own right, but when the fruits of labor are nowhere to be seen and there is no positive reinforcement, it’s also quite demoralising. A player with dazzling skill can become frustrated at his team and lose confidence in himself – something that with a player as naturally gifted as Boufal, we cant allow to happen.

But if Southampton can use this transfer window intelligently and purchase a recognised out and out forward, then we’ll not only perform better as a squad, but we can unlock the potential of one of our most talented players.